Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was released from Henry Ford Hospital this morning more than a week after undergoing surgery to repair a perforated colon.

Bing's office says the mayor will continue to recuperate at home. He is not expected to return to City Hall for at least three weeks, but spokeswoman Naomi Patton says he maintains regular contact with this staff and is engaged in ongoing operations.

"He's doing well and getting stronger everyday," Deputy Mayor Kirk Lewis said earlier this morning during talks with the Detroit City Council, which is considering a proposed consent agreement backed by Bing and the state.

While Lewis has sat in on all negotiations with the state, several council members expressed frustration that Bing, who originally opposed a consent agreement, has not been able to participate.

"It is immoral and absolutely unconscionable for the most important vote in the history of the city to take place while the mayor is in the hospital," said Councilwoman JoAnn Watson. "It's morally indefensible."

Kwame Kenyatta pointed out that the charter allows members to declare Bing incapacitated, but he expressed concern that such a vote would result in Council President Charles Pugh becoming the city's new mayor.